Lexus and Lincoln bring out the big guns in the midsize luxury sedan market

Lexus today introduced its all-new 2013 ES family of entry-level luxury sedans. The ES has long been one of Lexus' best selling models, so striking the right balance of style, performance, and features are critical with the new model.

Although Lexus is introducing the ES 350 which features a 3.5-liter V6 engine, it's nearly as technologically interesting as the first hybrid to wear the ES moniker: the ES 300h. The ES 300h features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle engine combined with the Lexus Hybrid Drive. Although exact city and highway numbers aren't yet available, Lexus says that the ES 300h is good for 40 mpg combined.

For comparison, a 2012 Lexus ES 350 is rated at 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway (22 mpg combined).

Other new features include Lexus' second-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) to operate multimedia controls, available Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Alert, and Pre-Collision System. The new ES also includes Lexus Enform that provides connectivity to Bing search, iHeartRadio, MovieTickets.com, OpenTable, Pandora, Yelp, and Facebook Places through the use of the driver's smartphone.

2013 Lexus ES 300h

“The new Lexus ES 350 and ES 300h hybrid combine technology, style and performance to please current ES owners and attract new buyers,” said Mark Templin, Lexus group vice president and general manager. “With the addition of the ES 300h, Lexus truly offers something for everyone in the entry luxury segment.”

In other luxury hybrid news, Lincoln has pulled the wraps off its all-new 2013 MKZ Hybrid. The MKZ is based on the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion platform and features that vehicle's hybrid powertrain. Lincoln isn't yet providing EPA estimates for fuel economy, but the 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid is rated at 47 mpg city/44 mpg highway.

We'd surmise that the heavier MKZ may reduce those figures slightly, but it should still be enough to put it ahead of the new ES 300h.

"The new Lincoln MKZ represents the future of Lincoln in both style and substance," said Jim Farley, Group Vice President, Global Marketing, Sales and Service. "It is proof of our commitment to deliver a new breed of Lincolns for a new generation of Lincoln clients – motor cars that are distinctive, elegant, full of technology and a delight to own."